Fresno City College said goodbye to its first female president, Cynthia Azari, last Wednesday in the Old Administration Building.

A few hundred congregated, at one point, reaching the maximum occupancy of  OAB’s Room 114. Among those in attendance were four members of the Board of Trustees of State Center Community College District, SCCCD chancellor, Dr. Deborah Blue, administrators from the district office and FCC, including interim president, Tony Cantu and dozens of students.

The bright room was filled with smiles and tears as attendees gravitated towards Azari to say goodbye as well as thank her for her accomplishments.

Blue, the first to speak, focused on Azari’s many accomplishments such as FCC’s centennial celebrations and the reconstruction of the Old Administration Building.  

“It’s a bitter sweet moment for the district having her leave to Riverside [City College], but we do want to celebrate her happiness and wish her success. She will be able to spend time with her newborn grandchild and her family,” Blue said.  

SCCCD Board of Trustees president, Dorothy “Dottie” Smith shared remembrances of Azari’s warmth and kindness and how she would be greatly missed.

Azari spoke and thanked the audience for their support during her two years at FCC. She likened her journey to Dorothy’s in “The Wizard of Oz.”

“I was thinking and realized that I am kind of like Dorothy; this is a great place and I am heading over to be in Riverside,” said Azari. “Like Dorothy though, I am leaving this place in the hands of three wonderful people. We have three vice presidents who are wonderful people, that work with me everyday, do a great job and I trust them.  All three of them are the smartest individuals, courageous and each has hearts of gold.”

After Azari’s speech, she was presented numerous mementos of the college, including plaques, framed art and a platter.  Sydney Excinia, editor-in-chief of the Rampage applauded Azari’s unfettered access to the student press. She presented the president a framed article about her presidency and life.

Michael Guerra, vice president of administrative services said he will miss Azari dearly.

“What I will miss most is her infectious laughter; that’s what I noticed when she first came, and that by itself will create a void for us once she is gone,” Guerra said.

Of what is expected of Azari’s replacement, Guerra said, “Out of what I expect of our new president would to be like Cynthia; she created a footprint in terms of open communication, willingness to participate, inform and involving the students in the decision making process.”

Chancellor Blue said that she expects the next FCC president “to be an integral part to the success of the college such as Azari has been and keep the college community united toward the success of the students.”  

Several students shared their past experiences with the outgoing president. ASG Student Trustee, Tony Capetillo recalled participating in a rained out parade with Azari. “We were soaking wet,” Capetillo said, “and Dr. Azari invited us to her home and made us breakfast.”

Staff writer Nathan Alanzo contributed to this report.